Revisiting Transition Lenses

Google Analytics likes to remind me on a monthly basis that my post about transition lenses is my most searched, read, and engaged post that I’ve written on this site. As someone who works in marketing analytics, it’s hard to ignore data. So hard pressed not to capitalize on good engagement and conversion rate, here is a follow up.

“Would you like transition lenses?”

Nearly two years later since I started wearing them, I would continue to answer yes.

Transition Updates

People occasionally reach out to me on social media asking about transitions so here are some more details. The lenses are Transitions Signature GEN 8, which come in a variety of colors, although my experience with the tints have been hit or miss (more on this in a bit). I still find transition lenses convenient and love not having to bring an additional pair of sunglasses with me when I’m out.

One huge drawback to glasses with transition lenses is using them as your primary sunglasses for driving. Because most windshields block out UV rays that activate the photochromic molecules, your glasses actually won’t turn into sunglasses. This can be a huge nuisance and even risk on sunny days where there is a lot of glare. Transitions makes a pair of lenses specific to driving, but I have no experience with them. Instead, I keep an old pair of prescription sunglasses in the car for really bright days.

Lastly, I previously mentioned how amazed I was at the speed of transition when coming indoors. However, years later I feel I was perhaps too generous with this statement. Maybe the novelty has worn off, but I’ve noticed now that it definitely takes a few minutes for my glasses to return to normal after coming inside. I estimate that the glasses hit 70% opacity within a minute or two, but takes a full 5-7 minutes to be fully transparent. Again, I think the key to dealing with this awkward in-between time is to chose bold frames that would look good as sunglasses so that in this “transition” (har har) period, it looks like you have tinted lenses.

New Glasses ANd Old Glasses

Since my initial post, I’ve picked up a second pair of glasses with transition lenses, this time from American based company Bevel Specs. Bevel is based in Kansas City and focuses on designs that are both timeless and minimalist. I chose a pair “Tommy”, a transparent pair of wayfarer like frames made of high quality acetate, in sand beige.

I hesitated to get transparent frames but have grown to love them, especially in the summer time. I paired them with green transition lenses but have been disappointed that the lenses look more brown (and at times violet) than the graphite green that was advertised. Still, I enjoy the look and would absolutely choose to put transitions in them again.

Weirdly the green lenses give off a purple hue at times.

I also decided to update my pair of Jaques Marie Mage Molino 55 from sapphire blue to brown transition lenses. I much prefer this tonal combination versus the high contrast of the blue.

So there you have it, two years later and transition lenses still get two thumbs up from me.